Time to fire up support for new coal-fired power station

The proposal to build more non-renewable infrastructures has ignited a pertinent debate
between Queensland citizens. In his opinion piece entitled “Time to fire up support for new
coal-fired power stations” (Courier Mail), senator Matt Canavan contends that Queensland
should support the development of a new coal-fired power station in North Queensland.
Shifting between a logical and enthusiastic tone, Canavan highlights for his audience of
conservation readers, the many positive economic benefits provided by the construction of a
power-plant. In response to Canavan’s piece, a comment was made by a Stephen on the
same post, scathingly debunking the ideas and suggestions put forward by Canavan.
Maintaining a dismayed and at times accusatory tone, Stephen vehemently argues that
Canavan’s ideas have no considerable merit, and instead driven by an ulterior motive.
Initiating with an optimistic tone, Canavan asserts that Australia has the adequate resources
for building a coal-fired power station. Canavan immediately appeals to his readers’
patriotism by labelling Australia as “blessed with abundant natural resources”. Using the
warm, positive connotated words of “blessed” and “abundant”, Canavan attempts to connect
and relate with his readers who likely identify with their country. By opening with this,
Canavan seeks to create fondness with his audience of Queensland readers, positioning
them to be more receptive towards his proposal of building a new coal-fired power station.
Furthermore, his emphasises on Australia’s “vast” amount resources enlightens readers on
how this project can be “profitable” without depleting Australia’s natural resources. This is
coupled with his enthusiastic description of how Australia has the “freshest, natural produce
in the world”, evoking a feeling of proudness within readers who may not have been aware
of Australia’s rich quantity of resources. By highlighting the plentiful supply of materials
Australia possess, Canavan illustrates for his audience on how Australia is amply prepared
for this innovation and will not be negatively affected by the this project.